Driftwood Conversations

Sam Oakes and the Atova Ethos

Serving, Not Saving:

Sam Oakes and the Atova Ethos

A Driftwood Conversations Interview with Hilary Sloane

“We’re not here to save the world. We’re here to serve the local community.”

— Sam Oakes, Founder of Atova International

In this episode of Driftwood Conversations, I talk with someone whose life embodies quiet devotion to a better world—Sam Oakes, founder of Atova International.

Sam and I met years ago while volunteering in Tanzania. From the beginning, I saw something steady and sincere in him: a grounded presence, a willingness to listen deeply, and a quiet clarity about what mattered most. That clarity became a vision—one he’s followed ever since.

Sam’s path began in the structured world of the British military, but his calling led him toward something more expansive. He didn’t want to command from above—he wanted to serve from within. Today, through Atova International, Sam is building a nonprofit rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that accurate service begins with presence and respect.

Atova isn’t about saving others but showing up with humility and helping people awaken to their strength. It’s based on what Sam calls the Three Pillars:

Mastery of Body. Mastery of Mind. Mastery of Spirit.

“We don’t stop when we’re tired; we stop when we’re done.”

— Sam Oakes

Sam’s wife, Nurul, who grew up in poverty and taught herself English, has been by his side from the beginning. Together, they’ve built Atova from the ground up. Their programs include Empowerment Through Education, which brings English language skills to remote communities, and the Atova Ranger Training Corps, which helps protect Indonesia’s endangered ecosystems.

“I want to see more people realize their potential. That’s our motto: Sadari potensimu—realize your potential.”

— Sam Oakes

This conversation isn’t just about nonprofit work—it’s about love in action. It reminds me of something I wrote in my early notes for the Love Project:

“Giving doesn’t always mean sacrifice. At its best, it means letting something essential move through you—your care, your attention, your belief in someone else’s becoming.”

That’s what Sam does. He gives from a place of strength and alignment, not ego. His leadership is gentle, consistent, and fiercely rooted in belief—in people, place, and purpose.

Ways to support Atova International:

• Volunteer – Offer your time, heart, and curiosity to communities ready to grow with you.

• Donate – Help fund teachers, rangers, and tools for a more sustainable future.

• Share – Tell someone about Atova. Connection is the first act of change.

Visit www.atova.org to learn more, donate, or apply to volunteer. You can also follow their work on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

This episode of Driftwood Conversation drops on Wednesday morning.

Thank you for listening. I hope you’ll find something in this conversation that stays with you—a spark, a shift, a deeper breath.

— Hilary Sloane